One of the most influential things I read during my seminary education was John Calvin’s description of the Lord’s Supper. Calvin believed that, although it is physically impossible for the body of Jesus to be literally present on altars across the world, Christ is indeed truly present in the meal.

Calvin believed that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, those with faith are lifted into the presence of Jesus Christ, who resides in heaven at the right hand of the Father. Like on Star Trek, our spirits are beamed up before the Lord, who feeds us with grace by his own hand. It is called suprasubstantiation. Let’s say it together: Supra-Sub-Stanc-Ee-A-Shun:) Supra meaning above or beyond and substantiation meaning embody or to give material form. Above and beyond material form. The Lord’s Supper is a suprasubstantial encounter with Christ, all those in the world participating, and all…